Best Family Restaurants in Reykjavík When Traveling with Kids
Some visitors to Iceland make the mistake of assuming that this charming little city on an island in the North Atlantic might have little to offer when it comes to options for dining out. But they’d be wrong. From the best hotdog you’ll ever taste to fresh and delicious seafood and everything in between, Reykjavík has a thriving restaurant scene with something for everyone, including kids. If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavík with your family, you’ll want to make note of the top family-friendly restaurants on our list.
Best Family Breakfast Spots in Reykjavík
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Reykjavík provides hungry families with plenty of options. From light bites and pastries to hearty meals, these are the best family-friendly restaurants to grab breakfast in Reykjavík.
Braud & Co
If you’re looking for a quick but delicious start to your day, head to one of Reykjavík’s top bakeries, Braud & Co. Famed for its sourdough and cinnamon buns and various pastries, as well as excellent coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, this is the perfect spot for grabbing a quick breakfast before joining a tour or heading off for a day of adventuring. Children will love the beautiful variety of pastries available and with so many options, you’ll be able to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
The bakery is incredibly popular and visitors can face long lines, so make sure to arrive early or choose a quieter time of day to visit to avoid the rush. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Address: Frakkastígur 16, Reykjavik 101 Iceland
Hours: 6:30 am - 5 pm daily
Sandholt Reykjavik
Providing baked goods, toasted sandwiches, yogurts, waffles, and egg dishes, this is a great family-friendly restaurant if you want a substantial breakfast to start the day. Sandholt is widely praised for its quality of food and its fresh ingredients, and the varied menu will mean that everyone in your family will be able to find something delicious to eat.
This is another very popular breakfast spot in Reykjavík, so make sure to arrive early to avoid waiting.
Address: Laugavegur 36, Reykjavik 101 Iceland
Hours: 7:30 am - 6 pm daily
Cafe Loki
If you and your clan are eager to try some local Icelandic delicacies with your breakfast, Cafe Loki is the perfect restaurant. Sample local delicacies like smoked fish, rye bread, and of course, skyr! However, you can still play it safe with bagels and pancakes if your family includes eaters who are not so adventurous.
Address: Lokastigur 28, Reykjavik 101 Iceland
Hours: 8 am - 10 pm daily
Best Family Restaurants for Lunch in Reykjavík
With so much to enjoy on a busy day in Reykjavík, you may want to opt for a quick and easy option for lunch. There are plenty of fast food and quick local delights to take advantage of, while still having some amazing quality and delicious eats.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
You simply cannot visit Reykjavík without trying an Icelandic hotdog! Made from high-quality lamb and with a variety of toppings including a delicious remoulade sauce, these are not your average hotdogs. Furthermore, most kids love hotdogs! At Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a local and famous institution, you’ll be sure to find a meal the whole family enjoys.
It’s worth noting that this is a hotdog stand with outdoor seating areas, so make sure to dress accordingly!
There are multiple locations throughout the Reykjavík area, for which you can view opening times here.
Subway
Traveling with children can sometimes mean you need some safe food options they’re familiar with. Children aren’t always the most adventurous when it comes to food, so if you want something familiar and that you know your kids will eat and enjoy, we recommend Subway. There are a handful of locations across Reykjavík so you won’t struggle to find one near you in the city.
Locations:
Bankastræti 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (open 10 am - 9 pm daily)
Hringbraut 12, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (open 10 am - 11 pm daily)
Sudurlandsbraut 46, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland (10 am - 10 pm daily)
Hlemmur Food Hall
If your family enjoys street food, this is the lunch spot for you. This is an indoor food market offering a variety of cuisine types, as well as fresh produce and even flowers. The benefit of Hlemmur Food Hall is that your family can all choose different types of food for whatever best suits each person, or you can try lots of different dishes from multiple stalls and share.
Enjoy everything from American-style fish tacos to pizzas and even Vietnamese street food, as well as local Icelandic delicacies.
Address: Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: 11 am - 11 pm
Best Dinner Restaurants for Families in Reykjavík
After a busy day enjoying the sights and activities that the Icelandic capital has on offer, you’ll want to draw your evening in with a satisfying meal. Here are some of the best places in Reykjavík to enjoy dinner with your family.
Eldofninn
What better way to end a day of new experiences with your family than with pizza? Eldofninn offers a varied menu to satisfy the whole family, and each dish is made with the highest quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in authentic brick ovens. From a simple margarita or pepperoni or something a bit different like surf and turf, you’ll experience a pizza you’ll never forget at Eldofninn.
Address: Efstaland 26 Grímsbær by Bustaðaveg, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11:30 am - 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday 5 pm - 9 pm, closed Mondays
Saegreifinn
Located on Reykjavík’s picturesque harbor is this delicious seafood restaurant. You can try everything from Icelandic delicacies like hákarl - fermented shark! - to other more palatable options, like the famous lobster soup, grilled fish skewers with plenty of sauces, and grilled vegetables.
Address: Geirsgata 4a, Reykjavík 101 Iceland
Hours: 11:30 am - 4 pm, 6 pm - 10 pm daily
Yuzu Burger
If you’re looking for something satisfying and familiar but with an Icelandic spin, check out Yuzu Burger. The menu offers elevated versions of your favorite cheeseburger or chicken burger, but they also have burgers with an Icelandic twist, consisting of unique seasonings and toppings. While the kids enjoy their burgers, the adults can also sample local beers.
If you find your family can’t get enough of Yuzu Burger, there are three locations across Reykjavík so you can find one close to hand if you’re spending a few days in the city!
Locations:
Kringlan, 103 Reykjavík, Iceland (open Monday - Friday 11:30 am - 9 pm and Saturday & Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm)
Borgartún 29, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland (open Monday - Friday 11 am - 9 pm and Saturday & Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm)
Pósthússtræti 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (open 11:30 am - 10 pm daily)
Family-Friendly Spots for Desserts and Sweet Treats in Reykjavík
If your family needs a sugar boost to keep you energized through your Icelandic adventures, or if you just want to indulge in a nice dessert after your dinner, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of options in Reykjavík!
Valdis
Icelanders love ice cream. As a result of this, you’ll find plenty of ice cream shops throughout the country, but one of the most popular and most beloved is Valdis in Reykjavík. This quirky and cheerful little ice cream parlor offers classic flavors and a number of Icelandic staples, like the local favorite, salted licorice flavor! All of the ice cream is homemade and you can enjoy other treats like waffles and coffee.
Location: Grandagardur 21, Reykjavik 101 Iceland
Hours: 11:30 am - 11 pm Monday - Friday, 12 pm - 11 pm Saturday & Sunday
Eldur and Is
If you really want to indulge in something special, you’ll want to visit Eldur and Is. This cafe has an extensive menu of pancakes (both sweet and savory!) with toppings containing fruit, chocolates, spreads, and plenty more. They also have an extensive coffee and shake menu, as well as plenty of ice cream and waffle options to choose from. One thing is for sure - no member of the family will leave this cafe without a smile on their face!
Whatever your family has planned on your trip to Iceland, be sure to make the most of your time! Our rental cars allow you the flexibility to see the sights at your own speed and get outside of the city to see the true flavors of Iceland. We offer a variety of 4x4s and vans so there’s room for everyone, no matter how big your family!